Posted: 18 January 2023

From a sermon given on 15 January 2023:

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
(John 16:7)

Jesus knew that his ministry here on earth was coming to an end. His disciples were getting concerned that their master, who they were accustomed to was departing and hence they were not sure of what will happen.

Jesus gave them "the great assurance". That it was to their advantage that he left. If he did not leave, the helper would not come. But if he left, he would send the helper. And indeed, when he left, he did send the helper.

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place… And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
(Acts 2:1, 4)

What a wonderful promise! In this life, we dare not walk alone; we have the helper. He is always there with us to help us navigate the dark paths, to warn us of the impending catastrophes, to comfort us during our low moments and to teach and remind us the oracles of our saviour.

Further readings:

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me…Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
(John 14:6, 15:16)

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams
(Acts 2:17)

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
(Romans 8:14, 15)